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1954

The Boeing 367-80, the prototype for both the Boeing 707 and C-135 series, takes its first flight.

The Boeing 367-80, the prototype for both the Boeing 707 and C-135 series, takes its first flight.

1849

The first air raid in history occurs; Austria launches pilotless balloons against the city of Venice

The first air raid in history occurs; Austria launches pilotless balloons against the city of Venice

1741

Aleksei Chirikov sights land in Southeast Alaska. He sends men ashore in a longboat, making them the first Europeans…

Aleksei Chirikov sights land in Southeast Alaska. He sends men ashore in a longboat, making them the first Europeans to visit Alaska.

1640

The first university of Finland, the Royal Academy of Turku, is inaugurated in Turku.

The first university of Finland, the Royal Academy of Turku, is inaugurated in Turku.

1099

First Crusade: Christian soldiers take the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem after the final assault of a…

First Crusade: Christian soldiers take the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem after the final assault of a difficult siege.

70

First Jewish–Roman War: Titus and his armies breach the walls of Jerusalem. (17th of Tammuz in the Hebrew calendar).

First Jewish–Roman War: Titus and his armies breach the walls of Jerusalem. (17th of Tammuz in the Hebrew calendar).

2004

Millennium Park, considered Chicago's first and most ambitious early 21st-century architectural project, is opened to…

Millennium Park, considered Chicago's first and most ambitious early 21st-century architectural project, is opened to the public by Mayor Richard M. Daley.

1931

Emperor Haile Selassie signs the first constitution of Ethiopia.

Emperor Haile Selassie signs the first constitution of Ethiopia.

1916

Max Reger's Hebbel Requiem is first performed in a memorial concert for the composer, conducted by Philipp Wolfrum.

Max Reger's Hebbel Requiem is first performed in a memorial concert for the composer, conducted by Philipp Wolfrum.

1915

At Treasure Island on the Delaware River in the United States, the First Order of the Arrow ceremony takes place and…

At Treasure Island on the Delaware River in the United States, the First Order of the Arrow ceremony takes place and the Order of the Arrow is founded to honor American Boy Scouts who best exemplify t�

1862

American Civil War: David Farragut is promoted to rear admiral, becoming the first officer in United States Navy to…

American Civil War: David Farragut is promoted to rear admiral, becoming the first officer in United States Navy to hold an admiral rank.

1861

American Civil War: At the order of President Abraham Lincoln, Union troops begin a 25-mile march into Virginia for…

American Civil War: At the order of President Abraham Lincoln, Union troops begin a 25-mile march into Virginia for what will become the First Battle of Bull Run, the first major land battle of the wa�

1769

Father Junípero Serra founds California's first mission, Mission San Diego de Alcalá. Over the following decades, it…

Father Junípero Serra founds California's first mission, Mission San Diego de Alcalá. Over the following decades, it evolves into the city of San Diego, California.

1661

The first banknotes in Europe are issued by the Swedish bank Stockholms Banco.

The first banknotes in Europe are issued by the Swedish bank Stockholms Banco.

1954

First Indochina War: Viet Minh troops successfully ambush the armoured French column 'G.M. 42' in the Battle of Chu…

First Indochina War: Viet Minh troops successfully ambush the armoured French column 'G.M. 42' in the Battle of Chu Dreh Pass in the Central Highlands. It is the last battle of the war.

1899

NEC Corporation is organized as the first Japanese joint venture with foreign capital.

NEC Corporation is organized as the first Japanese joint venture with foreign capital.

1867

Harvard School of Dental Medicine is established in Boston, Massachusetts. It is the first dental school in the U.S.…

Harvard School of Dental Medicine is established in Boston, Massachusetts. It is the first dental school in the U.S. that is affiliated with a university.

1850

Vega becomes the first star (other than the Sun) to be photographed.

Vega becomes the first star (other than the Sun) to be photographed.

1976

Nadia Comăneci becomes the first person in Olympic Games history to score a perfect 10 in gymnastics at the 1976…

Nadia Comăneci becomes the first person in Olympic Games history to score a perfect 10 in gymnastics at the 1976 Summer Olympics.

1942

The Germans test fly the Messerschmitt Me 262 using its jet engines for the first time.

The Germans test fly the Messerschmitt Me 262 using its jet engines for the first time.